Brands
Coca-Cola launches a limited edition bluetooth-enabled gift bottle
Mumbai: Coca-Cola India has rolled out a technological product innovation-a “locked” Coke, which is a limited edition bottle of the beverage for the festive season. The “locked” bottle is fitted with a special bluetooth-enabled cap that is programmed to open only in the presence of the sender’s mobile phone.
The concept is in line with Coke’s recent “#MilkeHiManegiDiwali” campaign, which encourages consumers to meet and celebrate this Diwali in-person. The innovation will be brought to life by a 360-degree campaign, including a series of digital films and partnerships with popular influencers.
This is a first-of-its-kind product innovation by Coke in India and the TVC film has been conceptualised and created by Ogilvy Mumbai. The bottle can be ordered via a website by filling in the gift recipient’s residential address and a customised festive wish or message. The recipients will then receive the customised bottle via delivery, which will be pre-programmed to detect the presence of the sender’s mobile phone in order for it to be unlocked. This unique bottle acts as a symbolic reminder of a promise made to meet in person.
Speaking about the initiative, Coca-Cola director of marketing Kaushik said, “We at Coca-Cola are excited to unveil a first-of-its-kind product innovation to our consumers. Digital enablement and product innovation are key pillars of growth for us at Coca-Cola, and our new “locked” bottle perfectly aligns with this strategy. The unique limited-edition gift bottle (that is available in India) is sure to inspire social connections, as people come together to meet, greet, connect, and share a (locked) Coke this Diwali.”
Ogilvy India chief creative officer Sukesh Nayak added, “This is an invitation that I hope no one declines. We hope this beautiful merger of tech with humanity that has created the most inviting Diwali invitations sees people make the effort to go and visit the person inviting them, open the locked bottle of Coke, and enjoy it together.”
Brands
JioHotstar EVP, head subscriptions (SVOD) and media Piyush Kothari exits
Streaming executive signs off after 6.5-year run across DisneyStar and JioStar
MUMBAI: Piyush Kothari, EVP and head subscriptions (SVOD) and media at JioHotstar, has stepped down from his role, bringing the curtain down on a 6.5-year stint spanning the DisneyStar and JioStar eras.
Kothari shared the update in a note reflecting on what he called a “transformative” phase for the media industry and a personal journey through the fast-evolving world of streaming and sports entertainment.
“The last few years have been transformative for the media industry and experiencing this journey up close over the past 6.5 years with DisneyStar and now JioStar has been a thriller,” he wrote, thanking colleagues and collaborators who shaped his time in the business.
Kothari joined JioHotstar in November 2024 as EVP, head subscriptions (svod) and media, where he oversaw subscription revenues and subscriber growth for the platform’s svod business.
Before that, he spent over five years at The Walt Disney Company in a series of leadership roles. His last position there was head of product, growth, partnerships and international expansion for Disney+ Hotstar, where he led efforts to scale subscription revenues across direct to consumer and partnership channels. The role also involved overseeing the service’s standalone businesses in markets such as Singapore, Canada and the UK.
Earlier, he served as lead, corporate office and strategic projects, working across the company’s entertainment, sports and streaming businesses. He also headed business operations at Mashal Sports, the entity behind the Pro Kabaddi League, where he helped steer the league through key commercial milestones including a five year broadcast and streaming media rights deal.
Alongside his operational roles, Kothari also served as nominee director on the board of Mashal Sports and was a director on the board of Novi Digital, the company that operates Hotstar.
Before entering the media and entertainment space, Kothari held senior roles across consulting, fintech and conglomerates. He worked with Welspun Group as head, group executive office, with Aditya Birla Group as joint president and business head, digital, analytics and strategy at Aditya Birla Idea Payments Bank, and earlier served as vice president in the chairman’s office at the group.
His career also includes stints at Accenture as principal, Accenture Strategy, and earlier at Shell in channel development and sales.
Reflecting on his time in the media sector, Kothari said he leaves with a lasting belief in India’s subscription economy. He also joked about picking up a new affection along the way.
“Carrying with me love for kabaddi, a deep belief in the potential of the subscriptions business in India, and fond memories and friendships,” he wrote, adding that he is now “onward to the next chapter”.
